Monday, October 5, 2015

My Barcelona Visit

No doubt many of you have been to Barcelona but it was my first trip. It
certainly is a very happening destination right now. It has all the
ingredients ...gorgeous beach, good flights from US (I arrived non stop from
ATL), excellent hotels, incredible food, amazing architecture and museums,
shopping to die for and for the younger generation never ending night life. Many
cruises start and finish in Barcelona. You need at least three nights and two
full days to really enjoy it.

I was fortunate to stay at the
Majestic. Ideally located for walking to good shops and restaurants and
just down the street from La Padrera..one of Gaudi's houses. The hotel is an
old and ornate building but was renovated in 2012. The rooms vary a great
deal so be sure to book at least an executive level room for your Virtuoso
clients. It is only 8 stories and most of the rooms face Paseo de Gracia and
the rest face inside to the quiet courtyard. The pool and bar/restaurant on
top of the hotel has a breathtaking view over Barcelona to the sea. On a
weekend it is VERY popular and you might have a problem finding a table. We
had lunch their several times. The hotel service and concierge were
incredibly helpful when my friend lost her wallet in a taxi. It was returned
by the taxi driver late that night...that sure says alot about BCN being tourist
friendly and safe. Full excellent buffet breakfast is served in their lovely
garden restaurant and is included in the rate.

The
W Hotel is the on its own peninsula on the beach ...very modern shaped like a
whale and you can see it from miles away. The rooms are huge and they ALL
have water views so you can actually lie in bed and see the sea. There
are two pools and in the summer it is packed. You are just steps to the beach
and tons of little restaurants. It would be my first choice if I were going
in the summer season. It is part of the SPG group. Their restaurant has a
Michelin star chef.

The Arts Hotel,
owned by Ritz Cartlon is also very modern and on the beach but not quite as good
a location as the W. Again the rooms are huge and most offer sea views. There
are private residences on the top two floors of the hotel that offer a
perfect set-up for families. They also have their private club offering food and
services all day. This is a good choice for business meetings or corporate
clients.

I
also visited the NEW Cotton House which is part of the Marriott autograph
collection. It is very elegant but cozy and small. I just had clients stay
there and they loved it. It just opened in March and I think it should be
considered for yuppies looking for romantic get a ways. I don't see putting
families there or corporate types. It is just behind the Palace..(the old
Ritz). I walked into the Palace and did not go any further than the lobby..very
formal and stuffy.

Don't send anyone to the Claris..it is very run down
and we waited 10 minutes to order a drink and left.

The sightseeing in
Barcelona is so interesting. Be sure to arrange a private guide for your
clients. It is
well worth it to get into Sagreda Familia, Guell Park, Picasso
Museum ..the lines were never ending. I used Valesa Cultural.

If you have
any specific questions please do email me and I would be delighted to share my
experience. I also went to several Tapa places and could write another email
just about that BUT I will spare you.